Title: Handle medications and solutions.
Course: Surgical Technologist I (14056-I) > Section: Understanding Pharmacology

Handling of medications and solutions should include

- preparation based on the type of medication to be administered (e.g., topical vs. intravenous vs. nasogastric)
- checking for valid expiration dates, correct dosage, correct medication, correct documentation, correct patient, correct route, and correct time
- communicating with the nurse in reference to the amount of medication used
- labeling of medication on the sterile field
- working with sharps and medications safely
- drawing medication in a syringe
- disposing of medication.

Students must remember that a surgical technologist may not administer medications.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the names of three drug reference books that provide easy access to information for surgical technologists? How are drugs selected for inclusion in a control schedule? What are examples of drugs in each schedule?
- Why is the safe handling and disposal of sharps so important in all medical settings? Why is verification an essential part of medication management?
- In what forms are drugs available? How does the form of the drug affect the way it is administered to the patient?
- Why are surgical technologists not allowed to administer medications? What are the potential consequences for a surgical technologist who administers medication to a patient?